Tag: NNPP

  • No faction in NNPP – Founder, Aniebonam

    No faction in NNPP – Founder, Aniebonam

    Dr Boniface Aniebonam, the founder of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), says there is not faction in the party.

    Aniebonam said this in a statement on Monday in Lagos.

    ‘’I want to state clearly that I do not know that there is a faction in the NNPP.

    ‘’The media in particular should please do me a favour and stop referring to me as a leader of a faction in NNPP.

    “I am the founder and father of the NNPP since 2002 till date and it is not in contest. I still hold the certificate of registration of the party.

    “A faction going by dictionary definition is a small group within a larger group. Therefore, it is Sen. Rabiu Kwankwaso and his followers that were a faction before he was expelled from the NNPP,’’ he said.

    Aniebonam added: “I regret that I came with clean mind and at no cost with the NNPP national executive committee and members to help Kwanwkwaso and his kwankwasiya movement to contest elective positions in the 2023 general elections.

    “I regret to note the turn of events at the moment but really, there is nothing to worry about, it is my belief that a day shall come when peace shall return to the NNPP.

    ”It shall never be my intention to lead a faction in a party that i founded, nurtured, financed and supervised its growth and development for 22 years before the entry of Kwankwaso and his kwankwasiya movement.

    “It is my belief that the end shall justify the means and coercion, application of nonconformity means do not usually resolve internal crisis.’’

    “God’s decision is supreme. It is only God that decides who will be King.

    ”Under the canopy of NNPP, I am Kwankwaso’s leader”.

    Aniebonam urged Nigerians to join hands with President Bola Tinubu to achieve the mantra of new hope for the country.

  • Ondo 2024: Ayeni emerges NNPP governorship candidate

    Ondo 2024: Ayeni emerges NNPP governorship candidate

    Mr Oluwatosin Ayeni has emerged as the candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party( NNPP) for the Nov. 16 governorship election in Ondo State.

    Alhaji Yusuf Galambi, the Chairman of the 2024 NNPP Governorship Primary Election Committee in Ondo State, said a total of 113  delegates were accredited for the exercise.

    Galambi added that Ayeni  polled 100 votes, to defeat his rival , Prof. Ibrahim Ajaguuna, who scored 12 votes, saying there was one void vote.

    He explained that the primary election was free, fair and credible, as witnessed by representatives of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and the party’s aspirants, as well as all delegates.

    “I, Yusuf Galambi, declare Oluwatosin Israel Ayeni as winner of the primary election, having scored the higher number of votes cast. The election was peaceful.

    “Nobody is a winner and nobody is a loser. We all know that NNPC is a promising party that maintains its integrity.

    “I want all members to be together, and get prepared for the main election in November,” he said.

    Reacting, Ayeni commended the efforts put in place by the committee in conducting a free and peaceful election.

    He said the victory recorded was dedicated to all members of the party.

    The party’s candidate enjoined the party members to be steadfast in ensuring the party’s victory in November.

    He promised to carry his co-contestant and others along, in the preparation for the gubernatorial election.

    According to him, NNPP is the only alternative to good governance in the state.

  • How Kwankwaso betrayed my trust – NNPP founder

    How Kwankwaso betrayed my trust – NNPP founder

    The founder of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Dr Boniface Aniebonam, says the move by Sen. Rabiu Kwankwaso and the Kwankwasaya Movement to hijack the party structure is a betrayal of trust.

    Speaking at a news conference in Lagos on Friday, Aniebonam said he gave Kwankwaso the platform of the party to achieve his political ambition of becoming Nigeria’s president on a platter of gold.

    Aniebonam said he singlehandedly registered and nurtured the NNPP from 2002 until 2022 when Kwankwaso and his team approached him to fly the flag of the party in the 2023 presidential election.

    He said: “Buba Galadima led the delegation, including Sen. Suleiman Hunkuyi and Prof. Sam Angai to my country home in Anambra, to plead for us to accept Kwankwaso in NNPP.

    “After the talks, I placed a call to Kwankwaso and after asking him questions about his intentions for Nigeria, I offered him the platform of NNPP as its sole candidate.

    “I believed that Kwankwaso was not aware of the internal crisis in the party until he came out openly on live television, displaying a new logo and flag for the NNPP and mutilating its constitution.

    “It is disturbing and if I continue to keep quiet, it will not be in the interest of the soul of the party as the founder and at some point, its board chairman.

    “The party’s constitution says the founder is a life member of the board and even when I’m alive, my brother and good friend, Kwankwaso, for whatever reasons, is destroying the party I built from 2002 to 2022 when he joined us to contest the 2023 presidency.”

    According to him, “I funded the party for 22 years and Kwankwaso wants to hijack it even when he is not a member of the board of the trustees or the leader of the party.

    Aniebonam said he founded NNPP after he founded the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) and NAGAFF, therefore, is the parent body of the NNPP.

    He recalled that Kwankwaso and others were expelled from the party for anti-party activities but as a life member of the board with inherent powers, he would grant him pardon if he purged himself of what he is doing.

    “The kangaroo convention even when there was a court order stopping it, is null and void because a Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday, ruled that NNPP issue is an internal crisis.

    “This means that the issues can only be settled using the constitution. However, we are ready to pursue the interpretation of the constitution up to the Supreme Court.”

    The NNPP founder said with this singular action, Kwankwaso would no longer enjoy the sole candidacy of the NNPP should he even be pardoned.

  • We have no reason to suspend Gov Yusuf – NNPP

    We have no reason to suspend Gov Yusuf – NNPP

    The National Working Committee (NWC) of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) has denied the purported suspension of Gov. Abba Yusuf of Kano from the party.

    The party Acting National Chairman, Dr Ahmed Ajuji ,speaking in an interview with newsmen on Thursday in Abuja, said that the party had no any reason to suspend Yusuf from NNPP.

    “For the record , Gov. Yusuf is a bona fide member of our great party and a worthy ambassador of NNPP, whose leadership and unprecedented achievements in Kano State is a thing of pride to us, and as such we have no any reason to suspend him.

    “In essence, the NNPP did not suspend our governor,” he said.

    Ajuji described those claiming to have suspended Yusuf from the NNPP for attending the NNPP national convention as political comedians, hirelings and clowns ,craving for relevance.

    “The jokers played back a cracked record and poorly scripted movie of suspension of the Kano State Governor as their sponsors and target audience no longer listen to the endless suspension and expulsion of Sen. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the National Leader of the party.

    “These political jobbers were also the ones hired to scuttle Yusuf’s election at the Tribunal, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court, falsely claiming that he was not duly and properly nominated by the party as its candidate for the 2023 general election.

    “To God be the glory the Supreme Court Justices ,in their own wisdom ,saw through their lies, and agreed with us and the INEC that Yusuf is a bonafide member of NNPP,” he said.

    He said that the same people had at various times instituted several suits in court challenging the leadership of the party and recently tried to scuttle the NEC meeting and the National Convention held on April 5 and April 6.

    “The court being a temple of justice and beacon of hope for sustainable democracy in Nigeria dismissed many of their suits, including the one which judgement was given earlier today.

    “A court even ordered them to stop parading themselves as members of the party, but because they don’t have any regard for the law, they continue in their contemptuous activities,” he said.

    Ajuji said the grouse of these expelled members was the participation of NNPP candidates in various elective positions, in which the party won a governorship, Senate, House of Representatives and State House of Assembly seats.

    He said this had enhanced the electoral fortune of NNPP, unlike before when such positions were traded off for personal gains.

    “The party is aware of their sponsors and their aim of destabilising it. They have failed as NNPP keeps growing from strength to strength, expanding its frontiers in the nation’s political space.”

    He said that the NNPP was  united and strong in fostering sustainable democracy in Nigeria as exemplified in the good governance of Yusuf in Kano State.

  • NNPP is best alternative for Nigerians – Kwankwaso

    NNPP is best alternative for Nigerians – Kwankwaso

    Sen. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the National Leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), says the party is the best alternative for Nigerians over the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Kwankwaso, a former Minister of Defence, said this at the NNPP National Convention on Saturday in Abuja.

    “In many parts of this country, especially in the North particularly in my own part of the North, so many people have been chased out of their homes and many have been killed.

    “Some are in the bushes now in the forest under the forces of bandits and other criminals. And looks like many people don’t care.

    “I believe it is only in this country that this sort of nonsense is happening. It is the responsibility of every government, responsible government to ensure peace of its people, “ he said.

    Kwankwaso said that as former Miinister of Defence and a governor, he believed that Nigeria had the enough resources and manpower to ensure security for citizens, as well as build stronger and united country.

    He congratulated the party for its achievements within a very short time of its formation and lauded stakeholders for speedy amendment of its constitution, slogan and logo from the National Convention.

    He said that the development would pave way for its victory in future elections.

    “Even my humble self, I found it very difficult to identify our logo during the last general election. That was why we thought it is very important for us to have a brand new logo for our party.

    “In our party today we have this logo. You can see new Nigeria People’s Party written very clearly and NNPP very boldly.

    “I believe that in the next elections nobody will be confused about our logo.

    “That is why we now have in our logo a book and academic chapter. And of course by the side of the book it is written education for all, meaning we will do whatever it takes like we did in Kano and elsewhere to ensure that every child in Nigeria goes to school,” he said.

    Kwankwaso added:“We have taken note of the challenges of the day because in many states, especially in northern Nigeria, our children are not going to schools now because of insecurity, because of poverty and so on and so forth.

    “So by implication, we are saying we will do whatever it takes to ensure security, and poverty are eradicated.

    “We have all what it takes to do that, so that our education can flourish, so that every child will go to school, from primary to tertiary institution.”

    He commended the party for electing him as its National Leader, pledging to ensure unity fairness and all party members.

    “All our members will continue to have an internal democracy within the party so that everybody is given an opportunity to attain his or her potential, “ he said.

    On his part, Gov. Abba Yusuf of Kano State, urged NNPP members to remain united at all times in the pursuit of the party’s victory in all future elections.

    Yusuf also urged the party members to rededicated themselves to the promotion of NNPP ideal and core values.

    “Let us continue to reach out and mobilize more members to join our party. Our membership mobilization drive must even be even more vigorous.

    “Finally, let me remind us of the old adage that says a people united can never be defeated,” he said.

    Yusuf commended Kwankwaso for offering quality leadership and guidance to NNPP, making it to be third fastest growing political party in Nigeria.

    The governor said that in spite of the over eight months litigation over his election, his administration had made some appreciable achievements in fulfilling its campaign promises to the people.

    In his remarks, the NNPP Acting National Chairman, Mr Ajuji Ahmed, said that the party was not the party of the future, but a party of the present for the future, not owned by any individual or group of people.

    Ahmed said that the NNPP had the key to the future for Nigerian youths and urged them to embrace the party and get register as members.

    “Join the NNPP mass movement and help yourself to fulfil your current and future dreams,” he said.

    Highlights of the convention which was observed by representative of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), were the approval of the party’s amended constitution, logo and slogan.

  • NNPP appoints Ahmed as acting National Chairman

    NNPP appoints Ahmed as acting National Chairman

    The New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) has appointed Dr Ajuji Ahmed, as its acting National Chairman.

    Mr Yakubu Shendam, the NNPP National Publicity Secretary, stated this on Tuesday in a statement in Abuja.

    Shendam said that the appointment of Ahmed, who was the Deputy National Secretary of the party, followed the resignation of Malam Abba Ali, who was the acting National Chairman of the party.

    “Ali announced at the National Working Committee (NWC) meeting of the party in Abuja that he was resigning due to medical advice by his personal physician.

    “This prompted a motion for the nomination of Ahmed as the new acting National Chairman, which was unanimously endorsed by all members,” he said.

  • Pentecostal pastor emerges as NNPP governorship candidate in Edo

    Pentecostal pastor emerges as NNPP governorship candidate in Edo

    Dr Azemhe Azena, a Pentecostal pastor has emerged the candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) for the Sept. 21 governorship election in Edo.

    The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mr Yakubu Shendam, stated in Abuja on Sunday that Azena polled 211 votes to defeat three other aspirants at the party’s primary election held in Benin on Friday.

    He quoted the Chairman of the NNPP Primary Election Committee for Edo, Sen. Kawu Sumaila, as declaring that Azena beat Mr Peter Okieguale who polled 100 votes to the second position.

    Azena also beat Rev. Sebastian Iyere and Mr Balogun Engeyemhe, who polled 25 votes and 17 votes respectively.

    Shendam stated that the exercise was witnessed by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission, representatives of security agencies and those of civil society groups.

    Azena is the pastor of his church in its South-South region. He hails from Okpekpe in Etsako-East Local Government Area in Edo North senatorial district.

  • Edo governorship election: NNPP screens aspirants for primary

    Edo governorship election: NNPP screens aspirants for primary

    The New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) on Wednesday screened four governorship  aspirants in   Edo,  for  participation in its Feb. 23 primary election.

    The four aspirants who participated in exercise in Abuja were Mr  Peter Okoeguale, Rev. Sebastian Iyere, Mr Balogun Engeeleyeme and Pastor Azehme  Friday.

    Addressing newsmen at the commencement of the screening, the Chairman of the Screening Committee, Sen. AbdulRahman Abubakar, said the exercise was to ensure that a qualified candidate emerged from the party’s primary election.

    Abubakar, said it was also to have a good candidate that could get victory for the party  in the governorship election in September.

    He said that the committee would, among others, look at the aspirants’ academic qualifications, party membership card, National Youth Service Corps NYSC)certificates, voter cards, financial commitment and any waiver, where applicable.

    “We will be very much interested in whoever emerges as our candidate, and hopefully the next governor of Edo and the kind of governance he is going to offer.

    “The example we are laying in Kano State will  also be extended to Edo State by the end of this year, God willing, “ Abubakar said.

    Other members of the committee were Mr  Ladipo Johnson, Mr Mustapha Alkassim, Mr Ahmed Balewa and Mr Bashir Abacha as Secretary.

    One of the aspirants, Sebastian, who is a priest in the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, told  newsmen during the screening that he would   turn Edo into an  industrial hub of West Africa,if elected.

    “I will  make Edo generate electricity, which is important  for water, security and  processing of our products.

    “That will attract   industries to Edo ,which will  provide jobs for our  people. Electricity is the bedrock of  development all over the world, “ he said.

    Asked of his view on zoning, Sebastian who is from Edo Central Senatorial District, said the decision was for the party, adding that by the  constitution, he was qualified to run.

    Another aspirant, Balogun, a former member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) pledged to tackle infrastructural deficit, develop healthcare and education sectors, if elected.

    “I am a grassroots person and I am very conversant with the problems of Edo people.

    “I will improve the state’s agricultural sector, education and healthcare system . I will construct  roads to ease  transportation of   goods,“ he said.

    Another aspirant, Friday , who also described  himself as grassroots person,said  he would impact lives and foster  development in the state,if elected.

    Friday , a  journalist, said he was already involved in tackling poverty and insecurity in the state  and that the state government had acknowledged his efforts .

    “I have a  scholarship programme  and I have schools that pupils  attend for free,I will continue to do more for the people”he said.

    On his part, Okoeguale said his decision to  seek  the  NNPP ticket  was taken after several engagements with stakeholders.

    Okoeguale, who expressed confidence in emerging the party’s candidate, promised to bring succour to the people of Edo ,if elected .

    The party’s  National Publicity Secretary, Shendam Yakubu, who also spoke  during the exercise, said there would be level ground for all aspirants during the primary.

    “NNPP is a party of transparency, we don’t want to do what happened in All Progressives Congress (APC) where different candidates emerged at the primary ” Yakubu said.

  • NNPP suspends North-Central zonal secretary over misconduct

    NNPP suspends North-Central zonal secretary over misconduct

    The New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) has suspended its North-Central Zonal Secretary, Mr Phillip Haruna over allegation of wrongdoings.

    In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Yakubu Shendam, on Friday in Abuja, he said the suspension is with immediate effect.

    Shendam said the allegations included gross misconduct, which contravenes article 39 of the party’s constitution.

    He said the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) took the decision at its meeting on Wednesday in accordance with Article 39 of the NNPP constitution.

    Shendam said that the suspension was to allow proper investigation into the allegations against Haruna.

  • Rerun election: NNPP wins two Assembly seats in Kano

    Rerun election: NNPP wins two Assembly seats in Kano

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Saturday declared Dr Alhassan Zakariya Ishaq of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) the winner of Saturday’s rerun election in Kura/Garun Mallam state constituency in Kano.

    The Returning Officer, Prof. Shehu Galadanchi, announced that Ishaq polled 37,262 votes to defeat Musa Hayatu Daurawar-Sallau of the All Progressives Congress (APC) who scored 30,803 votes.

    In the same vein, INEC declared Bello Muhammad Butu-Butu of the NNPP winner of the election at Rimin Gado/Tofa state constituency.

    Prof. Ibrahim Tajo Suraj, Returning Officer, said Butu-Butu polled 31,135 votes to beat his opponent of the  APC, who received 25,577 votes.

    The process of the rerun election at the third constituency in Kunchi/Tsanyawa was cancelled by INEC due to disruptions.

    INEC said it was investigating the incident in the constituency involving 10 polling units.